Can you go from atheist to Christian in 12 weeks? This is the question that Christian influencer Jay Painter and his atheist friend Lewis are exploring together and sharing with the world via Painter’s social media platform.
Painter, who creates Christian content for his following of more than 30,000 across TikTok and Instagram, came up with the idea for the video series after his church encouraged the congregation to invite someone to the Alpha course it was running.
An invitation to Alpha
Established in 1977, Alpha is an evangelistic course that invites people to explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, low-pressure environment. Painter felt strongly convicted to invite his best friend Lewis - an atheist.
“He was understandably hesitant at first,” Painter explained. “It was in that moment that the idea of turning the journey into a filmed series came to mind. As my best friend, that element tipped Lewis over the line. He wanted to support me and be part of the project.”
Having participated in an Alpha course previously, Painter said he felt confident inviting Lewis, knowing that the programme wasn’t about pressure or persuasion but exploring big questions in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Lewis is very thoughtful and intellectually curious, and we soon realised that the questions he was asking are the same ones so many people quietly carry,” he said. “Filming the journey felt like a way to make those conversations visible, not to force an outcome, but to model a genuine and honest process of exploration.”
With more than 50,000 likes on the first “episode” of the series on Instagram, Painter’s joint project with his friend has attracted a significant online following.
“I’m officially tapped into this series!” one follower commented on the video. “God bless you for planting the seed [and] encouraging him to attend [the] Alpha course [and] God bless Lewis for his willingness [and] open mind. May his heart be opened as well [and] may the Holy Spirit do what only He can do during this precious window of opportunity.”
How is the public responding?
“The response to the videos has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve seen a huge amount of prayer for Lewis from people all over the world, which has been incredibly humbling,” Painter said. “There’s also been a real sense of encouragement and support from both Christians and non-Christians engaging thoughtfully with the content. Interestingly, there’s been very little negativity or hate (which is always surprising on social media) and that’s helped reinforce that people are genuinely hungry for honest, respectful conversations about faith.”
Painter told en that he hopes that the series encourages Christians to be confident and inspires them to invite their friends into conversations and spaces where they can explore faith. “For non-Christians, I hope the videos lower the perceived barrier to engaging with Christianity, showing that questions, doubt, and curiosity aren’t threats to faith, but often the starting point of it,” he said.
As for Lewis, he’s still exploring Christianity and is even looking to start attending a church alongside his friend. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the Bible is a true story. I’m on the edge of my seat,” he said in the latest episode. “I need God to reveal himself to me. I think at that point I’ll be fully committed.”
Follow along on Lewis’ journey via Painter’s Instagram account (@jaypainterr) or on TikTok.
How God used my grief to bring me closer to Him
During every trial that I've gone through, I have tangibly experienced the presence of the Lord, but none more so …